Using Telepsychology for Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy

Using Telepsychology for Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy

Telepsychology is defined as a method of delivering psychological services through electronic devices, including telephone, videoconferencing, texting, and mobile applications. The use of remote technologies for psychological services can include assessment, individual therapy, group therapy, and couples therapy. The shift from face-to-face sessions to telepsychology was prominent in the unprecedented COVID-19 pandemic that demonstrated an immediate need for technology-based interventions for the continuity of care to clients with mental health concerns. Telepsychology can be provided synchronously or asynchronously, where the former involves therapy that happens live and in real-time where the client interacts with the therapist while the latter is delayed communication that is not live between client-therapist (e.g., self-guided therapy modules).

Comparing internet delivered versus in-person cognitive-behavioural therapy

Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is an evidence-based treatment utilized to address a wide range of psychological issues. Many therapists have adapted CBT into telepsychology format as an alternative to in-person sessions. Research has shown that there is similar effectiveness in both in-person and synchronous virtual sessions (i.e., videoconferencing) among adults and adolescents in the reduction of symptoms for depression, anxiety, stress, posttraumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and improving quality of life (Fernandez et al., 2021; Lisi et al., 2023; Stubbings et al., 2013; Weintraub et al., 2023). In other words, there is no significant difference between CBT delivered in-person or virtually. Overall, virtual delivery of CBT is promising in the changing therapeutic landscape in delivering and accessing mental health services.

What are the benefits of telepsychology?

There are several notable advantages of using telepsychology over traditional face-to-face sessions, including:

  • Accessibility to mental health services for individuals who live in rural and remote communities with limited availability of psychologists, or for those who have mobility challenges
  • Lowered costs associated with remote psychological services, such as transportation and childcare
  • Enhancing privacy for clients who may feel uncomfortable being in a physical office
  • Increased flexibility and convenience in scheduling appointments
  • Larger access to different providers of psychological services

How is privacy maintained over telepsychology?

At the Oakville Centre for Cognitive Therapy, we utilize secure and encrypted video platforms in accordance with privacy laws in Ontario. We request that clients use a quiet, closed room using secure internet connection to maintain privacy and confidentiality of health information.

How can the team at Oakville Centre for Cognitive Therapy help?

At the Oakville Centre for Cognitive Therapy, we provide clients with the option for both in-person and telepsychology services. If you are interested in receiving cognitive-behavioural therapy via telepsychology, please contact us at: 905-338-1397 or admin@oakvillecbt.ca or via our Contact Us page.

References

Fernandez, E., Woldgabreal, Y., Day, A., Pham, T., Gleich, B., Aboujaoude, E. (2021). Live        psychotherapy by video versus in-person: A meta-analysis of efficacy and its relationship to types and targets of treatment. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 28(6), 1535-       1549. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.2594

Lisi, D. M., Hawley, L. L., McCabe, R. E., Rowa, K., Cameron, D. H., Richter, M. A., & Rector, N. A. (2023). Online versus in-person delivery of cognitive behaviour therapy for         obsessive compulsive disorder: An examination of effectiveness. Clinical Psychology &   Psychotherapy, 31(1), e2908. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.2908

Stubbings, D. R., Rees, C. S., Roberts, L. D., & Kane, R. T. (2013). Comparing in-person to        videoconference-based cognitive behavioral therapy for mood and anxiety disorders:        Randomized controlled trial. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 15(11), e258.

Weintraub, M. J., Ichinose, M. C., Zinberg, J. L., Bearden, C. E., & Milklowitz, D. J. (2023). In   person versus remote CBT groups during COVID-19 for adolescents with mood           disorders or psychosis-risk syndromes. Journal of Affective Disorders, 341, 346-348.            https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jad.2013.08.119

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